In a shocking turn of events, a member of the New York City Council, Susan Zhuang, was accused of biting a police officer during a tumultuous protest against the establishment of a new homeless shelter in her district.
The council member, a Democrat from Brooklyn, was arraigned on a felony assault charge and various misdemeanors and violations, but was subsequently released without bond. There was no immediate comment from Zhuang's office, and her legal representation remains unclear.
According to ABC News, the protest, which was held at the proposed location for the homeless shelter, was marked by clashes between the police and protesters. Social media was awash with images and videos of the incident. One video showed a woman, believed to be Zhuang, struggling with other protesters to seize a barricade from the police while an officer attempted to handcuff her. Another video depicted Zhuang being escorted away by the police in handcuffs.
The court complaint detailed that Zhuang, along with others, was instructed to cease pushing barricades towards the officers. However, the council member reportedly turned her head towards Deputy Police Chief Frank DiGiacomo, bit his forearm, and resisted arrest by stiffening and twisting her body. The bite was severe enough to break DiGiacomo's skin, causing him "substantial pain" and necessitating a hospital visit.
The police, referencing an arrest report, stated that Zhuang was obstructing officers from reaching a woman on the ground. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, speaking at an unrelated news conference, expressed his bafflement at the allegations against Zhuang, who he described as a "great partner" with the NYPD for a long time. He admitted, "I cant explain it right now.
Earlier on Wednesday, Zhuang had uploaded a video on social media platform X, seemingly showing individuals disputing with an officer over the existence of a permit for construction at the site. This incident underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the proposed homeless shelter and raises questions about the conduct of elected officials during such protests.
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